PISMO BEACH COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Agenda Item #9.F
SUBJECT/TITLE:
AMENDMENT OF THE CITY’S CLASSIFICATION PLAN TO INCLUDE AN UPDATED
JOB SPECIFICATION FOR ASSISTANT ENGINEER / ENGINEER / SENIOR
ENGINEER
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution amending the City’s Classification Plan to include approval of an updated Assistant Engineer/Engineer/Senior Engineer job specification.
BACKGROUND
The Public Works Department is an integral part of the City, providing the public with critical services to deliver the City’s Capital Improvement Program, maintenance, and special events.
It is projected that the City will be recruiting to fill a vacancy for both Engineer and Senior Engineer following adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 budget. To recruit the best available talent, the Public Works Director/City Engineer and the Management Services Department are recommending a modification to the Education and Experience requirements of the existing Engineer job specification to meet the current needs of the City and to be consistent with neighboring agencies.
The recommended update to the job specification allows more flexibility with applicants during the hiring process. The City will continue to follow State license requirements for civil engineers.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution (Attachment 1), updating the job specification for the Assistant Engineer/Engineer/Senior Engineer position.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. The Assistant Engineer/Engineer/Senior Engineer positions are currently budgeted, full-time positions.
ALTERNATIVES:
1.Request more information from staff.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
1.A. Exhibit A to Resolution: Updated Engineer Job Description Submitted by: Meeting Date: May 16, 2023
Jorge Garcia, Assistant City Manager
City Manager Approval:
Council Agenda 5-16-2023 9.F-1
RESOLUTION NO. R-2023-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE CITY’S CLASSIFICATION PLAN TO INCLUDE
APPROVAL OF AN UPDATED ASSISTANT ENGINEER/ENGINEER/SENIOR
ENGINEER JOB SPECIFICATION
WHEREAS, the City of Pismo Beach seeks to provide the highest quality of service to its residents, visitors, and staff, and seeks opportunities to evaluate best practices for job specifications to ensure the City hires the most qualified candidates; and WHEREAS, approval of an updated job specification for Assistant Engineer/Engineer/Senior Engineer (Exhibit A) will update the requirements and provide flexibility to help recruitment efforts by widening the job opportunity to more candidates; and
WHEREAS, by widening the applicant pool, the City will have more choices in hiring the best candidate for the position to fit the needs of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach hereby approves and adopts the job specification for the position of Assistant Engineer/Engineer/Senior Engineer, set forth as Exhibit A to this resolution, and by doing so amends the City’s classification plan.
UPON MOTION OF Council Member , seconded by Council Member , the foregoing resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach this 16th day of May 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
Approved: Attest:
________________________ ________________________
Ed Waage, Mayor Erica Inderlied, City Clerk
Council Agenda 5-16-2023 9.F-2
FLSA: EXEMPT
ASSISTANT ENGINEER
ENGINEER
SENIOR ENGINEER
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs various professional field and office engineering work related to the management, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of City capital improvement, public works, and City infrastructure projects, and daily departmental operations; provides project management and administration; confers with architects, developers, contractors, and representatives of other agencies regarding facility and infrastructure development; administers professional services and construction contracts; administers Federal and State grant funds associated with construction projects; provides professional staff assistance to the Director of Public Works/City Engineer, other departments, and the public in areas of expertise; performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Assistant Engineer and Engineer receive general supervision from the Senior Engineer. Senior Engineer receives general supervision from the Director of Public Works/City Engineer. May exercise technical and functional direction over technical and clerical staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant Engineer: This is the entry-level class in the professional engineering series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic engineering experience perform professional and technical engineering work in current and advanced engineering activities. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Engineer level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.
Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Engineer: This is the journey-level class in the professional engineering series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of professional and technical engineering work in all of the following areas: City capital improvement and other public works projects, land development, traffic engineering, public works infrastructure, and daily departmental operations, in addition to providing project management and administration. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class may supervise the Assistant Engineer. This class is distinguished from the Senior Engineer in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series and has ultimate responsibility for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing all work of all staff involved in a major area of the Engineering Division.
Senior Engineer: This is the advanced journey-level class in the professional engineering series with responsibilities spanning the entire spectrum of the engineering function, with a primary emphasis on Council Agenda 5-16-2023 9.F-3
Assistant Engineer
Engineer
Senior Engineer
current and advanced full range of professional and technical engineering work in all of the following areas:
City capital improvement and other public works projects, land development, traffic engineering, public works infrastructure, and daily departmental operations, in addition to providing project management of major City infrastructure projects and administration. Successful performance of the work requires a broad professional background as well as skill in coordinating assigned work with that of other City departments and public agencies. Responsibilities may include assisting with performing specified departmental day-to- day administrative functions.
Positions in the professional engineering class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Engineer level are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant level requiring three (3) years of experience at the Assistant level and gaining certification as a Professional Engineer (P.E.), and after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class. Advancement to the Engineer or Senior Engineer level is at the discretion of supervisory or management staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Plans, designs, and inspects all phases of civil engineering public works construction projects; defines the scope of the project; secures adequate funding from Federal and State grant programs and other funding sources; coordinates with permitting and public utility agencies; performs historical document research and review; surveys and performs engineering analysis of alternatives; prepares plans, specifications, and cost estimates; performs research, map, and field studies and surveys; drafts site plans with specialized computer software; applies engineering principles and practices to specific problems; coordinates construction schedules with other projects and agencies; prepares and reviews cost estimates; inspects construction of projects to ensure compliance with construction documents. Reviews construction plans prepared by consulting engineers and private contractors to verify compliance with City sidewalk, public utility, and improvement requirements; checks plans for conformance with regulations regarding line, grade, size, elevation, and location of structures; reviews engineering calculations of other engineers or engineering technicians; participates in pre-design, construction, and utility coordination meetings and issues construction permits. Provides construction administration, public relations, management, and inspection of public works construction projects, including coordinating work with other divisions and City departments, reviewing and inspecting work to ensure conformance with plans and specifications, tracking and maintaining all project accounting, coordinating schedules, and providing public notices of projects. Investigates field problems affecting property owners, contractors, and maintenance operations; responds to citizen inquiries and complaints; provides information to the public at the front counter in person, via telephone, or other means of communication regarding grading, encroachment permits, right-of-way and property line information, utility information, preliminary slope stability and groundwater issues, improvement plan check, and payment processes. Processes subdivisions and prepares and reviews legal descriptions. Reviews tentative and final tract and parcel maps, lot line adjustments, and other subdivision documents.
Administers a wide variety of engineering and development permits. Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio- visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
Council Agenda 5-16-2023 9.F-4
Assistant Engineer
Engineer
Senior Engineer
Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities. Updates City codes, standards, and ordinances.
May provide technical direction and training to other engineering and technical staff; trains staff in work procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Civil engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures. Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects, including water and wastewater systems, stormwater, street, and traffic systems design. Basic principles, practices, procedures, and standards related to City public works, engineering infrastructure development and maintenance, and surveying. Basic principles and practices of capital improvement program budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project management, and contract administration.
General design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements such as streets, storm drains, grading, and landscaping.
Subdivision engineering, plan review, mapping, and construction practices. Bidding requirements for public works projects.
Project management and contract administration principles and techniques. Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Modern office practices and technology, including personal computer hardware and software applications related to the work, such as computer-aided drafting (CAD) concepts and applications and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs.
Modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding engineering. Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work. Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports. Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to:
Conduct complex civil engineering research projects, analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports. Prepare, understand, and interpret engineering construction plans, specifications, and other contract documents.
Conduct comprehensive engineering studies and prepare reports with recommendations. Assist in and develop and administer contracts for professional services and construction in a public agency setting.
Council Agenda 5-16-2023 9.F-5
Assistant Engineer
Engineer
Senior Engineer
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, and City engineering policies and procedures. Design engineering projects.
Read and understand technical drawings and specifications. Perform mathematical and engineering computations with precision. Recognize discrepancies from as-built to contract specifications and recommend reconciliation. Make engineering design computations and check, design, and prepare engineering plans and studies. Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals. Direct the work of contract consultants.
Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, legal descriptions, and other written materials. Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems. Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines. Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field. This may be waived with possession of a Registered Professional Civil Engineer license in the State of California.
Assistant Engineer: Two (2) years of experience as an engineering technician or one (1) year of engineering experience including project design and management.
Engineer: Four (4) years of increasingly responsible engineering experience, including project design and management.
Senior Engineer: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible engineering experience, including project design and management; two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.
Assistant Engineer:
Possession of an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certification or a Registered Professional Civil Engineer license in the State of California.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one and one-half (1 ½) years, a certification as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC).
Possession of, or ability to obtain within two (2) years a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) and/or Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) certificate.
Council Agenda 5-16-2023 9.F-6
Assistant Engineer
Engineer
Senior Engineer
Engineer or Senior Engineer:
Possession and maintenance of a Registered Professional Civil Engineer license in the State of California.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one (1) year a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) and/or Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) certificate.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas and to conduct inspections is required.
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Updated by: Management Services Department
Council Approved: May 16, 2023
Council Agenda 5-16-2023 9.F-7